Calling the Techies.

[DannyK]

I am now getting a bit more confused..........bring back the paper, pen and abacus!

You could revert to two cocoa tins and a long bit of string!

On a quick Google found there are at least ten video calling programs.

But all is not lost. If you stay with your Windows 8 laptop or replace it with a Windows 10 one Skype is probably the best one. The beauty of it is that it will work with most devices, even ones on Linux.

Should you get an Apple device Facetime is the best but it'll only work on Apple devices.

[Potstubsdustbins]

I don't think I have ever seen so many variations of Ipad

Sorry I can't help with advice, I have never used an Ipad or any of the messaging apps.

[Lumpy]

As normal - Thank You all for the explanations - so I now know that

an eye pad is the same as a laptop just smaller and thinner?

Different 'talk to' programmes exist and some only work on particular types of machine?

I am not a natural techie.

[Nannysally99]

Sure is much smaller, but easier to handle I think.
There's nothing on my laptop that I haven't got on here I don't think. There are apps for everything you want Lumps. I'm squashed into my armchair, iPad on raised knee chatting on the vine.
Everything is different at first, but you soon get used to it.
Takes lovely photos, iPad to iPhone is great, nothing not to like.
Might be an idea to look at reconditioned ones, there's some great buys out there at reasonable prices if you goggle it.
Your choice chick

[Scarlet]

Lumpy...an IPad mini will also work with messenger and FaceTime. I use mine all the time. It's the size of a kindle, costs around £250. I pop mine in my handbag and it goes with me all the time. It has all my books on it, diary, calendar, email etc. I rarely use the Internet on a PC for anything other than business work these days.
You can have ones that just work with wifi connection only. Link to your. Wifi at home, or when out at the pub/cafe where free wifi is available.
Or you can buy versions with a SIM card and pay a monthly fee. You don't need yo rely on anyone else's wifi when out then.
I'm out often, I've never purchased a sim for mine as free wifi is available in most places.

[Nannysally99]

Mine is full size Scarlet, but hubby's is a mini. It's his that pops into my handbag lol
It also comes out on holidays to take photos

[Scarlet]

The mini versions are so mobile Ive got an iPad mini 2. Ive had it about 3 years. I've also got an iPhone and I wouldn't be without them. Love being able to take a photo while I'm out and uploading it,or sending it to my parents while I'm still out and about.

Ipad prices here:
iPad - Compare Models - Apple (UK)

[Scarlet]

Lumpy, if you pop into an Apple Store they have all the variations on display and you can try them all out. Loads of people in the Bath store sit in there playing for ever! The sales people aren't bothered with the hard sell like mobile telephone shops. Ask one to show you how it all works.

[Lumpy]

Oh no I just found out that you can get a laptop (phew) that breaks in half and becomes a 'thingy' - trying to remember the word..........erm.........got it a notebook.

Is a note book the same a an eye pad?

[Scarlet]

No. If you want to use FaceTime - for video calls to your grandkids you need an Apple product. See my link above.

If you use a PC, notebook or any windows machine you will need to use Skype. I presume your son uses Apple products?

[veggiechicken]

Lumpy, I haven't a clue about these things but you need to get something that is compatible with whatever your son uses.
Ask him what he uses and get the same - or ask him to get summat compatible with your computer.

[Lumpy]

Ta VC that simplifies it for me.

[Scarlet]

Ta VC that simplifies it for me.

Just tell him to go and buy what you need and then he doesn't need to get you a Christmas present next month

[Lumpy]

Thats a lovely idea Scarlet but can I just say that I love him to bits but there is far too much fun for them all to have in the world and it all costs money.

He is always happily skint!

[Potstubsdustbins]

A man who is happily skint has my admiration......... that's what money is best used for.